Plan A Budget Friendly Wedding

Everyone has dreams about their very special wedding day. Choosing to have a very elaborate wedding event held at the most expensive venue in town (or far away) and wearing a spectacular gown can cost major money. It’s not unusual for the cost of a wedding to run $20,000 or more.

You can have a lovely memorable wedding day without breaking the bank. Do you really want to be still paying for a wedding for several years after the event? Do you really want your parents to go into debt or max out their retirement funds to pay for your one day?

The prime time for weddings runs from April through September. Naturally during peak season you will be paying top prices for your event. If you plan your wedding between October through March you can save anywhere from 25 to 50% on the price of a hall or banquet rental. This translates into big savings. Caterers too will be less stressed during the off season and their rates may be lower than at peak time. Vendors with whom you are dealing may have more time to devote to your planning.

Consider having a more simple event. You do not need to invite everyone you have ever met. Instead keep your guest list to family and close friends.

When planning your reception avoid using the most expensive opulent ballroom available. Consider a church hall or other community hall or the banquet room at a local restaurant. You might consider having the wedding and/or reception at a small park or at your home or the home of a friend or family member.

You do not need to have magnums of champagne flowing or a full open bar. Consider wine and beer and possibly just a champagne toast.

Instead of renting tuxedos why not have the men wear their own suits. Instead of a very expensive wedding dress consider one more reasonable. Perhaps the bridesmaids can wear street length dresses so they will be able to use them at a later time instead of purchasing a dress they will never use again.

You do not need to use the services of a wedding planner. You and your friends and family can plan the event. Planning your wedding day will be stressful whether you use the services of a wedding planner or plan it yourself.

Let your family and friends help with the event. The men may help setting up tables and chairs. The women may help with some of the food. Do you have friends or family who can take pictures or provide music?

You do not need to provide a sit down dinner. A lighter buffet or heavy hors d’oeuvres will help save on the overall budget.

You want your wedding to be a reflection of you as a couple. You want it to be a day you will remember with pleasure. With some planning you can have a wonderful special wedding day while still remaining financially solvent.